By Drugs gang jailed for more than 13 years
An organised drug gang from Grimsby ran a £500,000 cannabis growing operation, they have now been jailed for a total of 13 and a half years.
Evaldas Medelis, 29 and Laminonas Navickas, 23, both admitted production of cannabis and were each sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
Karolis Rusevicius, 27, was found guilty of production of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, two counts of possession of criminal property and possession of a firearm and ammunition following a four day trial.
He was jailed for a total of six and a half years.
The operation had been uncovered after a member of the public reported seeing a suspicious vehicle at the empty Bethlehem Street property.
Checks on the van revealed it had been reported stolen and it was then stopped by officers.
Medelis and Navickas were arrested after 80 cannabis plants were found in the back.
A subsequent search of the building uncovered a number of growing areas had been constructed, with hundreds of plants up to 3ft high.
The electricity supply had also been bypassed.
A hatch was also discovered leading into the kitchen of the next door flat, where it was clear the growers had been living.
Forensic evidence found in the buildings led police to Rusevicius, from Nottinghamshire.
Detective Constable Philip Jacobs, linked in with colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police and Rusevicius was arrested by their teams.
He was caught in the middle of counting out £20,000 in cash.
A handgun, live ammunition and two large vacuum bags of cannabis were later uncovered.
DC Jacobs said: “I hope this will serve as a warning to other organised crime groups that Humberside is not somewhere where their activities will be tolerated.”
“This was a very sophisticated set up, one of the largest I have ever dealt with and in uncovering it we have prevented them from pocketing more than half a million pounds.”
If you see any suspicious behaviour you can speak to your local team on the non-emergency 101 line or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you want to remain anonymous.
